If you’ve ever wished for a draw, paint, or write with a pen on your computer… your wish has been granted! Come in to ByteMarks to demo and buy your BAMBOO tablet today.
http://www.wacom.com/bamboo/bamboo_fun.php
Donna Dalton
Conquering the mystifying world of computers
Archive for ‘Product Recommendations’
iMac 27″ is PC Mag’s Editor’s choice
iMac 27″ with i7 processor is PC Magazine’s Editor’s choice. Notice that the Mac is a “PC” magazine’s choice? Maybe the magazine will change it’s name to “Mac Mag!” I have to say that in my store, the 27″ model has been the most popular so far. Read all about the awesome computer here:
http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2363511,00.asp
New MacBook Pro Models Out Today!
Apple announced today a new line of MacBook Pros, including the 13″, 15″ and 17″ models. The processors are faster and the hard drives are bigger. And, now there is an option to upgrade to a solid-state drive. Solid-state drives were first introduced in the MacBook Air, but now they are available on the MacBook Pros.
I’ll be looking forward to seeing how quickly the solid-state drives get bigger as the price comes down. I have been telling my clients to plan on keeping a computer for three years. I see the slope of the technology improvements curve as being steep. So, it’s not that the computer won’t last more than three years, but that the technology is improving so quickly that they’ll probably want a new computer sooner than later!
Check out the new MacBook Pros here: http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/
iPad – What is it, really?
When the iPad was first announced, my initial reaction was that the iPad looks like mostly a really big iPod Touch. For most people, it will probably be used that way. Can it be used as a traditional computer too? Can you replace your previously very cool and compact netbook with one of THESE?
As the owner of ByteMarks, an Apple Authorized Reseller, I can sell Apple’s computers, but I cannot, for now, sell iPads. Does that mean that Apple considers the iPad as a really big iPod Touch and not a computer? Not necessarily.
In my humble opinion, I think Apple has bigger and better things in store, and the iPad is merely the beginning of greater things to come. The iPad comes with all the features of an iPod Touch, like iTunes, Mail, Safari, Maps, Calendar, Contacts, etc. The fact that the iPad comes with the iPad version of iWork, allowing the consumer to create and view documents, spreadsheets and presentations, tells me that the iPad is a computer, not just your portable media companion.
What do you think is next?
ByteMarks is now an Apple Authorized Reseller!
ByteMarks is now an Apple Authorized Reseller. Stop in to see the new 27 in iMac demonstration computer.
ByteMarks is located in Basalt, Colorado, between Aspen and Glenwood Springs. The friendly and knowledgeable staff can help you purchase your next MacBook, MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Pro. They can recommend customizations and software too.
If you’re a local, ByteMarks is your one-stop shop for Apple computer sales and training. They also offer non-warranty service. They also have free coffee!
Stop in next time you’re in town. Say hello to Donna, Lynn, Pablo and Jason.
Microsoft Office 2010 Beta Available
Just when people are getting used to Office 2007, a new version is coming out. I plan to download the beta version and post comments on my blog. As usual, there are different versions available, depending on your needs. If anyone tries it, please comment here, and give us the skinny.
Download it here: http://tinyurl.com/ylo5w27
I know many people still using Office XP and Office 2003. My recommendation is to wait for Office 2010 and then make the switch. As soon as it comes out, we at ByteMarks will be having workshops. In the mean time, next time you’re in Basalt, Colorado, stop in to ByteMarks to see Office 2010 in action.
Apple’s new iPad
Is Apple going to market their iPad as a computer or a really big iTouch? What’s your opinion? You can bet this is just the beginning of bigger and better things to come.
A caller on KDNK’s Geek Speak last week installs home automation systems that use Apple computers. He thinks this is another tool that will be used to automate things at home from your music to your lights to your oven.
Check it out on Apple’s site: http://www.apple.com/ipad/
I don’t know about you, but I want one! Do you? Comment here and let us know what you think.
“To Do” Software to Help You Get Things Done
If you’re a fan of David Allen’s, “Getting Things Done” book, then you’ll like the EasyTask Manager software by OrionBelt.com for Windows or Mac OS X. The software lets you organize your tasks by project, context or category. If you are like me, on an average day, I like to organize my tasks by where I can get things done. For example, I have calls to make, emails to send, and errands to run in my car. A context helps you separate your tasks according to the tools/places needed to complete the task. I also like to see the projects that I’m working on, like writing an e-book or preparing for a class that I’m teaching.
The main reason I decided to use the EasyTask Manager software is that I can sync my tasks with my iPhone. It was easy – I just installed the app and followed the simple instructions to sync. Now I can see everything I have to do and add tasks while I’m away from my computer. No more little pieces of paper floating around!
3 Ways to Run Windows on Your Mac
There are 3 common ways to run Windows on your Mac. All 3 methods will allow you to install Windows 7. All 3 methods work with Snow Leopard. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.
- Use Bootcamp that comes for free with your Mac.
- Install VMWare Fusion 3
- Install Parallels 5
I have used all 3 methods. My personal preference is to use either VMWare Fusion or Parallels. With either of those, I avoid having to reboot the machine everytime I want to go into Windows. Opening Windows is as easy as running any other Mac application. I use Windows often, because I have Windows-specific software that I purchased, such as Quicken and Quickbooks, so for me, that was the way to go. Since I had previously used VMWare Fusion 3, I opted to use Parallels 5 this time around.
With Windows installed using Bootcamp, I would have to restart my Mac from the Windows partition, thereby leaving Mac OS X behind for a while. When I wanted to get back to Mac OS X, I’d have to reboot from the Mac OS X partition. The main advantage, and the only advantage to me, to using Bootcamp is that the drivers are Windows drivers, not virtualized. I have a few clients who have security cameras, and the software to view them only work with Windows in a non-virtualized environment. Other than that, I don’t need Bootcamp.
In a nutshell, The following article just came out in November, so it’s recent and discusses all the latest versions of software. It’s a good article to help you decide:
http://atlchris.com/1136/parallels-desktop-5-vs-vmware-fusion-3/
If you have used any of the 3 methods, please comment. I’d like to know your experience.
Cool Covers for Laptops, iPhones, iPods and more
One of the coolest things I’ve seen to cover your laptop, iPhone, etc, are Gelaskins. Check them out at gelaskins.com. Find the artists you like and then check out their portfolio. Pick one for your laptop and another for your iPod. Or, create your own! Either way, it’s a sure way to make your laptop unique.